Islam in Honduras is a very small but established minority religion.
History of Islam in Honduras
Introduction:
Islam came to Honduras primarily through immigration of Arab Muslims, mainly Palestinians, Syrians, and Lebanese, during the 20th century.
Most Arab immigrants to Honduras were Christian, but a small number of Muslims settled and helped establish the Muslim community.
Local Converts:
Over the years, some Hondurans have converted to Islam, often influenced by Islamic literature, missionaries, or contact with Muslim communities abroad.
Current Islamic Presence:
Population:
Muslims in Honduras number roughly 1,000 to 3,000 people, a tiny fraction of the country’s population of about 10 million.
The community consists of:
- Descendants of Arab Muslim immigrants.
- Local Honduran converts.
- Some foreign Muslim residents.
Mosques & Islamic Centers:
There are a few mosques and prayer rooms, mostly in the capital, Tegucigalpa, and in San Pedro Sula.
The main organizations include:
- The Islamic Cultural Center of Honduras.
- Local Islamic societies that organize prayers, classes, and cultural events.
Halal Food & Services:
- Halal food options are limited and mostly homemade or imported.
- Muslim residents often rely on vegetarian or seafood dishes due to scarcity of halal meat.
Religious Activities:
- The community observes Friday prayers (Jumu‘ah), Ramadan fasting, and Eid celebrations.
- Educational programs on Islam are conducted occasionally.
Challenges:
- The Muslim community is small and not widely known in Honduran society.
- There is limited access to Islamic resources and halal food.
- Despite this, Honduras provides freedom of religion, allowing Muslims to practice openly.
Summary:
Islam in Honduras is a tiny but active minority, primarily descended from Arab immigrants and local converts. While resources are limited, the community maintains mosques and religious activities within the framework of Honduran religious freedom.
Honduras
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .hn
Country Code: +504